This coming weekend will be the first time I have ever attempted an oil change on my 87.5 CGT. Usually I just let the dealer to it because they charge only about $25, but I recently changed jobs and that dealer is no longer convenient and the one near by wants OVER $80 for an oil change! So, I'm doing it myself. So any tips (like what size sockets to have on hand) or tricks would be appriciated...

I think the drain plug is a 3/4 or metric equivalant (21mm?)

Drain the oil before removing the filter.

Don't forget to put plug back in before putting new oil in. j/k

If you want a topline synthetic just let me know. I have Amsoil products for sale.

The oil filter is in a better place and is way easier to drain. On the 4cyl, I have to make a funnel so the oil drips into the pan, and not all over other stuff. Just make sure to use an appropriate filter. :)

Mike

...a Fram oil drain valve. Great little tool that will make oil changes a pleasure. Besides this,

1-add a quart of ATF and run it through your engine for 10 minutes or so till it reaches operating temperature. This cleans it out.
2-if you have the money, use Mobil 1 synthetic
3-use a larger filter for the old diesel volkswagen rabbit
4-clean surface on block where filter mates of all particles
5-moisten rubber seal on new filter with new oil with your finger
6-hand-tighten the filter
7-use an anti-friction treatment like the stuff Lubro-Moly makes. You could also use Restore.

Good luck.

Quites down the lifters for a little bit... Cleans similar to ATF and smells real good. : )

Don't do it on a windy day if you are outside unless absolutely necessary. Its a good way to see how much cling your new oil or used oil has is it streams off in fine threads getting on everything!
been there, done that, cleaned up the mess.

On the serious side,, please remember to take the used oil to a proper disposial site (not the ground ousdide someones shop,, you would not believe how far it goes and harm it does once in the soil and water shed.

p.s.,,its a good time to wipe down the engine and start cleaning there and getting to know how things should be arranged while you wait for the oil to drain ( it drains faster and takes more out if you drain it hot )..... call it the zen of coupes!

I've been using MM Oil before oil changes for years with all my cars. About a week or two before the change I put in 1/2 quart and drive normally. Then a few days before the change in goes the other 1/2 quart. It works well as a chemical flush, it's a great solvent.

I just replace a quart of oil with a quart of MM at the oil change, and that does fine until the next change. It doesn't hurt the car at all, and it's actually what they indicate on the bottle.